Nightclub tsar and cocaine dealer becomes rehab clinic owner

Cameron Houston and Chris Vedelago

A former Melbourne nightclub owner with recent convictions for trafficking cocaine has reinvented himself as the founder of a luxury drug rehabilitation clinic, raising serious concerns about the lack of regulation of the burgeoning industry.

Peter Metropolis, 63, became a co-owner of Riverside Clinic in December 2015 – less than a month after completing an 18-month suspended prison sentence for drug offences and dealing in the proceeds of crime.

The former owner of Inflation, Chevron and Metro nightclubs was the subject of an investigation by the Purana Taskforce and pleaded guilty to four criminal charges in May 2014.

Fairfax Media can also reveal that underworld associate, Darren Harland, 45, who has an extensive criminal history including convictions for drug, weapons and violence offences, is also involved in the rehab facility based in Kyneton.

Mr Harland was once found with a gun outside Fulham prison, where he was visiting underworld figure Jason Moran, who was later murdered at a junior football clinic in Essendon in 2003..

The former VFA footballer – who has the gangster's creed "Get Rich or Die Tryin" tattooed on his back – is also a former associate of bikie enforcer Toby Mitchell and accused race-fixer Paul Sequenzia.

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According to the Riverside Clinic website, the facility offers a "safe and comfortable haven for anyone seeking treatment for addiction and accompanying conditions".

Clients are offered an intensive 90-day treatment, followed by a three-month integration program and a further three-month outpatient program.

"Our team have industry standard qualifications and further specialist credentials that compliment the sanctuary treatment philosophy. Encompassing evidence based best practice, invaluable professional and personal experience; our staff provides a quality holistic treatment service," the clinic claims on its website.

He denied Mr Harland had any involvement in the clinic, which opened last month.

"If you want to pursue us, you probably want to pursue a bunch of other operators too," Mr La Marchesina said.

He said he was unable to comment further because the clinic had signed an exclusive media deal with another organisation.

Mr Metropolis initially denied owning a stake in the business. He later declined to comment, while Mr Harland could not be reached.

Under Victoria's liquor licensing regime, both men would be prevented from owning a hotel, but are free to operate a rehab facility that charges several thousands of dollars to those in the grip of addiction.

A spokesman for the Department of Health and Human Services said private drug treatment services were governed by Consumer Affairs regulations relating to misleading or deceptive conduct, while the Corporations Act also included provisions on who is permitted to operate a business.

Some experts in addiction medicine have expressed scepticism about the involvement of Mr Metropolis and Mr Harland in a rehabilitation service.

Others defended their role and claimed many counsellors had personal experienced substance abuse and addiction, with some having served custodial sentences before transforming their lives.

But most practitioners, including Mr La Marchesina, have urged the Andrews government to introduce a regulatory regime following the rapid proliferation of private clinics in response to a surge in methamphetamine use across the state.

Professor Jon Currie, director of the National Centre for the Neurobiological Treatment of Addiction said virtually anyone could set up a clinic at present.

"A large proportion of people working for these organisations are former users. Some of these people are incredibly passionate about what they can offer and how they can help. But at the same time, the sector is exposed to predatory behaviour because of the complete lack of regulation," Professor Currie said.

Doctor Jack Warhaft – a former anaesthetist with a history of alcohol and other drug abuse who now treats addicts at Malvern Private Hospital – said there was a complete lack of accountability among private operators.

"It's become a very big business and we urgently need regulation. The quality of delivery varies from excellent to shoddy and it's about time we brought some accountability to this industry."